Big Thought and PEAR Partner to Support Youth Resilience

Navigating adolescence in the 21st century is more challenging than ever. With the rise of social media, artificial intelligence, and other modern pressures, young people are facing a mental health crisis that demands urgent action. In response, Big Thought and Partnerships in Education and Resilience (PEAR) have partnered to expand the reach of PEAR’s Developmental Resilience Training, a research-backed certificate program designed to equip educators with the skills needed to support youth mental health and resilience.

Grounded in over 30 years of research from Harvard and McLean Hospital, Developmental Resilience offers an integrated approach to child and adolescent development. It focuses on how young people can grow through adversity, considering changes in motivation, behavior, and attitudes at various stages of development. Through this professional development certificate program, educators learn the tools and strategies of resilience, empowering youth to feel understood, more confident, and better prepared to manage life’s challenges. The goal is not for educators to take on the role of mental health providers, but to know how to support students effectively, especially during tough times.

Big Thought, a Dallas-based nonprofit and national leader in closing the opportunity gap for youth, brings a strong focus on creative learning and professional development. Their expertise in social-emotional learning, trauma-informed practices, and innovative education makes them a natural partner in this mission.

“The Big Thought team is excited to enhance our professional learning offerings in partnership with an organization so closely aligned in philosophy and approach,” said LeAnn Binford, Senior Director, Consulting Services at Big Thought. “Together with PEAR, we can strategically expand the availability of Developmental Resilience training, providing more educators with asset-based resources to support young people’s growth during challenging times.”

Together, PEAR and Big Thought are committed to equipping educators to make a lasting impact on youth well-being.

A participant in PEAR’s Developmental Resilience training shared:
“The way I communicate with my students—keeping resilience strategies in mind—has deepened our trust and allowed for more vulnerability in our relationships.”

This partnership reflects a shared commitment to providing educators with the resources they need to support students as they face growing challenges in today’s world.

Upcoming Event:

To kick off the partnership, PEAR and Big Thought will host a book club discussion at the National Summer Learning Association Summit, featuring Jonathan Haidt’s The Anxious Generation, exploring the impact of technology on youth today. Join Dr. Gil Noam of PEAR and LeAnn Binford of Big Thought on Sunday, November 10 from 2:30 – 4:00 PM to discuss how we can help young people thrive.

ABOUT PEAR
Partnerships in Education and Resilience (PEAR) works with schools and youth-serving organizations to promote positive youth development, improve mental health, and enhance program quality. PEAR aims to create a future where every student and educator can learn, dream, and thrive. With a foundation in data-driven tools and evidence-based programs, PEAR partners with districts and organizations nationally and internationally to foster social-emotional development in service of student success and well-being. Learn more about PEAR.

ABOUT BIG THOUGHT
Big Thought is an impact education nonprofit that closes the opportunity gap by equipping all youth in marginalized communities with the skills and tools they need to imagine and create their best lives and world. Driven by its mission to make imagination a part of everyday learning, Big Thought has become a national model in arts education, out-of-school time systems, summer learning and juvenile justice intervention. Learn more at bigthought.org.